News

Vision impairments are on the rise, propelling the global ocular implants market to unprecedented growth, from $14.1 billion in 2022 to a monumental $22.1 billion by 2030. Yet, many potential breakthroughs stumble in clinical trials, often due to unforeseen toxicity and efficacy in preliminary research studies. Megala Ramasamy is developing a low-cost fabrication method for silicone polymers used to create advanced in-vitro eye models that simulate features of the human eye.

The prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) has increased significantly due to prolonged screen time and Mana Monfared, a current PhD in Vision Science student, is dedicated to studying the disease and its effects on eye health.

Canada is a global leader in quantum science. Waterloo scientists are harnessing the potential of this disruptive science to create secure quantum communication and expand quantum computing with new funding from the NSERC Quantum Alliance grants.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is mourning the passing of Dr. Paul Karrow. He was a founding member and the first Chair of the Department. Karrow passed away on February 5, 2023 at the age of 93.

The World Health Organization estimates that 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment. Dr. Stan Woo, director of the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science, views this statistic as a call to action, one he and his colleagues are working to fix. New investments and innovations are creating better access to care.

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs has announced the 25 finalists for the 2022-2023 GRADflix competition year, which includes seven finalists from the Faculty of Science.

An interdisciplinary team from the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering and the University of Waterloo Optometry Clinic has been awarded $25,000 from the Graham Seed Fund for their vision robotics research.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma consists of a group of eye diseases that leads to irreversible vision loss from damage to the optic nerve. With a lack of symptoms showing and no cure for glaucoma, it is vital to get early intervention to prevent blindness. 

A new study is the first to show brain stimulation improves reading in patients with macular degeneration. Drug treatments only slow down the progression of the disease, but Waterloo scientists discovered they could train the brain to use the information it receives more efficiently.

Recent studies in Canada have suggested that approximately 20 per cent of children aged 3 to 6 years have visual problems, such as amblyopia or clinically significant refractive errors. To ensure children have optimal vision for learning, the School of Optometry & Vision Science is partnering with The Cowan Foundation and the Lions Club of Canada. Together, they will develop a coordinated vision plan for the Region of Waterloo Public Health to screen every child in senior kindergarten (SK).